Sennheiser MKE 400 Review
Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
- Pickup Pattern: supercardioid, lobar
- Frequency response: 40Hz - 20kHz
- Max SPL: 126 dB ("vol-"); 118 dB ("vol +")
- Power Supply: 1.5V battery (size AAA)
- Runs for approximately 300 hours from one battery
- Connector: 1/8-inch stereo mini jack
- Rugged, all-metal Housing
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 6,530 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MKE 400. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser MKE 400. For example, 80% of 907 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MKE 400 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 222 Reviews
Very solid/small on-camera mic, good $
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The first thing I will say is that if you looking into improving your audio while capturing video with select Canon HDSLRs, do yourself a favor and download the Magic Lantern firmware (0.1.9 for the 5D2 if you are running 2.0.8 from Canon):...With that said, I got this mic in order to attempt to capture higher quality audio from someone speaking (over the internal mic on a 5D2). It is very well built, very compact and lightweight, and it is definitely an improvement over the built-in mic (but surely, many external mics are). It is easy to use, is relatively sturdy, and also has a sensitivity setting for different distances.However, it was still not ideal for my intended purpose. First of all, my subject was over 5-10 feet away, which ended up producing a thin, distant, and hissy/noisy sound. I am new to audio, so I wasn't sure what to set the 5D2's manual audio settings at in order to get the best output (and I hadn't yet installed the Magic Lantern firmware, so I had no advanced controls or way of monitoring the audio). While I'm sure that with these tools I could have improved the audio a bit, for longer distances, I'm sure that this mic is still not the ideal option. But there probably aren't any on-camera portable shotgun mics that would be, for that matter. If you are capturing audio from close range in a controlled environment, I think you'll be pleased with this mic (especially if you value the good build quality and very compact design).But if not, the better option is to boom a shotgun mic as close to the subject as possible. But even still, there are obviously situations where that won't be ideal or possible, such as if you are shooting at a wide angle, if your subject and/or you are moving around, and/or if you don't have assistance from a dedicated audio person. In my case, I ended up returning the MKE 400 for a wireless lavalier setup (I went with the Sony UWP-V1). ... More
a new standard for DV + documentary
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by sam.i.am on B&H Photo Video
the first thing you notice when you pull it out of the box (well packed, by the way) is the size. I thought, there's no way i'll get usable audio out of it but i have several years of experience with the me66 and know sennheisers usually find a way. i contract locally and professionally, and because of my work i prefer pro quality even at family gatherings and miniDV documentary style shoots. lets get to the + and - +sound quality is great- rejects any camera noise that my other mics pic up, including the self mic +so small...light but still sturdy. i tried the rode and nearly got carpal. now one of my arms is bigger than the other. +made in EUROPE, german engineering +cable is high quality, boot is secure +warranty rocks +the sound again, is so much better-- i really didn't think it would make that big of a difference until i finally upgraded away from the built in mic. the other brands were still an upgrade, but this was a true upgrade to quality and PROFESSIONAL results - i would have liked a hardshell case i would buy again if stolen and i don't do a shoot without it ... More
Big Audio in a Small Package
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Jeepwalker on B&H Photo Video
I've owned this mic about 2 years and put it atop my small Canon HV30 HD cam for use as a go-anywhere b-roll cam. It may seem expensive to newcomers for such a small mic, but the audio is very good and clean. I believe it is a good value. They've used these little mics on small cams for a few broadcast reality shows, according to a guy I know who works for an internet audio store. Audio from this mic is crisp and clean. The mic itself is well-built, not a flimsy piece of plastic. It picks up distant audio well enough and does a good job rejecting off-axis sounds. Not as good as a $500 12 shotgun, mind you, but perfectly acceptable for on-cam audio in tight situations and significantly better than any on-cam built-in mic. Size and durability wise, the web images of this mic make it appear larger than it is. They should put a dollar bill next to it (it would be about 3/5ths of a dollar's length). I use a fury which does a good job cutting stong wind noise. From a durability standpoint, I've carried this thing in remote locations in China and other places, mic always stays on the cam. In and out of a backpack with other items. It's held up well. I think the shock mount is an intelligent compromize between isolating a cam's vibrations and motor noise while keeping the overall package compact. Based upon my experience, one would have to be abusive to rip the shock mount. That being said, it probably wouldn't take much abuse if one was inclined to do so, it's not built to pick your cam up with, or twist around. But the same could be said for my larger Sony's on-cam mic holder too. The battery seems to last forever. Overall, if you want to improve your on-cam audio this is a quality little mic that produces audio far greater than it's tiny size would seem. ... More
Great little mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Travis on B&H Photo Video
I first used this guy back in '09 or '10 in Africa. Low-Profile. Audio was great! I was using the 5d Mark II then. I had it mounted to the side of an On-Camera light with a mount that had a Cold-Shoe. I did a lot of candid interviews, and so a lot of times I simply pulled it off my camera and had someone hold the mic closer. I don't know if the cable was longer then, but it performed wonderfully! Unfortunately, the shock mount broke early on(probably my own fault...see pic), but made it useable again with some Gaff Tape. Would be nice to be able to replace those. That one was a rental. I've used other since, including the ones by Rode. I have found this to be my personal favorite. ... More
You get what you pay for
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by ianmko on B&H Photo Video
This mike is designed for the amateur budget film maker. If you want professional sound, spend the $2000+ on the booms, stands, cords, studio, and other equipment.I use this mike with a hotshoe adapter for my Canon HF100 (which requires a Canon-specific mike that is completely sold out and not being reproduced). I shoot the in-the-field video for the political campaign I'm working on. In a noisy setting like a cafe or near traffic it definitely works to get what's right in front of it, but don't think you're not going to hear that stray conversation or honking horn. Ambient noise is reduced, but you've got to turn the settings all the way up to get the conversation you're trying to record, and you've got to be within 10-15 feet. The windmuff that comes with it couldn't fully block interference with a steady 5-10mph wind.On the flip side, this is a light, functional, battery powered, cheap microphone. It's miles better than the onboard mike, it doesn't drain the battery of the camcorder, and as long as you're not expecting movie-grade sound on a $ camcorder mike then you should be happy enough. ... More
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Maybe a better choice for the 5D Mark II
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Victor Engel on B&H Photo Video
If you're thinking of getting this mic because you think it's better than the built in mic on the 5D Mark II, you might want to think again. It won't pick up focusing and IS noises as much as the built in mic does, but the quality isn't as great as I'd hoped from the other comments. Here is a comparison of the built in mic, this Sennheiser, and the Rode stereo videomic@
Surprising Good for the Little Money
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Donald on B&H Photo Video
After I did my initial trial of my Panasonic AG-HMC70, I realized that the sound quality of the internal microphone was totally inadequate. Since I did not have the money to buy a more expensive Sennheiser Shotgun Microphone, I settled for the relatively low cost MKE 400 Compact Video Camera Shotgun Microphone. After using this condenser microphone for past six weeks, I must confess that I am totally suprised at the high quality of the sound. It clearly picks up conversations from 50 feet away using the automatic gain control of the camera. Its cold shot mount makes it a breeze to mount on the camera without the need to purchase an additional accessory. It has a tendency to pick up too much off-axis noise which is a little troublesome. I have found that I need to position myself directly behind the microphone to avoid picking up body noise. Other reviewers have suggested that the microphone needs an indicator led to indicate that the microphone is on. After I forgot to turn off the microphone after use, I quickly learned that they are right. I believe that this microphone needs to be a part of a number of camera kits. My experience with prosumer cameras suggests that the manufacturers should save the money and not build in a microphone. Other reviewers have questioned the quality of the connection through a 1/8 miniplug. I have not experienced any problem with this connection, and I must disagree with these reviewers. The only other problem that I found with the MKE 400 is its tendency to pickup wind noise. The noise suppression switch helps, but it is far from perfect. ... More
Great mic for average camcorders
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Jean Valjean on B&H Photo Video
As the producer of a 101 training for beginning filmmakers, we got stuck this year with having to use camcorders for the students' Documentary Project. With the negative history we've had trying to get usable sound out of the built-in mics on our camcorders for even our most basic needs, I went in search of a small shotgun mic. The brand name alone brought me a certain peace of mind. Sadly, it was necessary to return the first one (purchased locally) due to a diaphragm gone bad, which produced a crackling that eventually escalated into a solid hiss. I shipped the one I have now from B&H in NYC, and so far it seems to be working fine. Camcorders, however, are noisy. This is the only downside which probably has nothing to do with the mic itself. This Sennheiser reaches out and grabs audio in a powerful way, even on the low setting, so the signal is very strong in the interviews we shot...but so was a small, high-pitched mosquito-type buzz associated with the motor. We notched most of it out in post, but next time I'll try the windsock setting to try and knock down the secondary noise. In summation, this mic is far better than most of the consumer equipment with which it is designed to be used. Go with this Sennheiser mic if you own a quiet camcorder, or don't have access to a prosumer camera with low impedance audio inputs and a wireless lav. ... More
Nice and compact on-camera microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use this microphone for video recordings on my Canon 5DII. It is small and compact and easily fits in the side pocket of my Tamrac Pro Digital Zoom 5 (model 5625) bag. The sound quality is good, with 2 sensitivity settings. The 24-105L lens focusing, aperture changing and image stabilization sounds are barely audible (they are very loud if using the built-in camera microphone). The recorded sound is focused in front of the camera and recorded conversations are clear. The main disadvantages are some wind noise when it is windy and added noise when the battery runs low. Also, I sometimes forget to turn the microphone ON when starting recording since it has its own switch. User beware! Also, when I forget to turn it off, the battery runs out faster. As other have reported, there is a high-pitched sound in the amplifier circuitry, some sources indicate 18 kHz, but it's not audible to me except during the 1st seccond after startup, when it goes from low to high frequency, I believe it is inconsequential. ... More
Good for the size/price
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video
I've been a photojournalist for a few years now and am moving into multi-media journalism and filmmaking. I bought the MKE-400 to use on my D300s for on-board audio (run 'n' gun mode if you will). The size is phenominal, much smaller to the similar model available from Rhode (The MKE-400 will easily fit in the palm of your hand). The sound quality is good, however there is a slight background hiss, but it isn't enough to truly interfere with the audio. This problem would probably be fixed if I used a mic with balance XLR inputs and used a proper audio recorder. being able to adjust the pick-up pattern is great when doing interviews, etc., to help eliminate background noise. The major downfall to this piece of equipment is its build quality. The battery door, although it fits tight, doesn't take much to open. I've had the foamie fall off twice on me without noticing it (its now gaff taped) and the shock-mount seems a bit flimsy and feels it might break quite easily if mishandled. Overall this mic does a great job for its size and integrates quite well with DSLR workflow. the MKE-400 is no comparison to high end remote microphones, but it does an amazing job on the run. ... More
Good starter mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Shawn on B&H Photo Video
This is my first video microphone. I use it on a Sony A7S. I've heard a big improvement in audio quality. It has a wide sound rather than a directional sound.Two issues I've had:(1) The foam windscreen doesn't stay on. I should have learned to affix it on somehow after the first dozen times it fell off. I finally lost it the other day and a replacement is $.(2) The LED power indicator just does a very brief flicker when you turn the mic on. I shot a whole evening's worth of video and got home and realized I had no battery in the mic, so I had no audio at all. It was my fault for not confirming I had a battery, but it's something I'll be mindful of going forward. There's just not a good indication that the battery is functioning when turning the unit on other than that very brief flicker of the LED. ... More
Execllent ROI
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
For what it costs, it delivers. Good sound, learn the settings for your application!(low-cut/windsock symbol, go to Sennheiser website and play with the Flash app for various sound scenarios!) Only bad thing is foam sock, lost it twice attach a tiny piece of gaff tape it'll stick. On/off switch is a learning curve but then it doesn't use much energy at all. Better leave it on (and have a spare battery) than forgetting to turn it on and have 2 min. w/o audio... an always ON light would use too much energy that's why it only blinks when turned on. Also very unassuming so you can do a 'pro' documentary shoot, without attracting too much attention (however on interviews and real shoots...never skip the audio guy!) I use it on an HV-30 and that internal mic is bad, since it picks-up the shooter above more than anything..characteristic is upwards not in front of lens, what a poor design. Anybody who complains about poor workmanship here doesn't know a thing about pro gear (vs. the cheap plastic items that tend to come out of China for example...) Where can you get a Made in Germany mic for $?Anyway you won't regret it...and I don't work for Sennheiser! ... More
Fantastic Little Mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by keith on B&H Photo Video
I shoot a lot of video and have been using both this mic and the Rode Video Mic Pro. Both are very different, but what I like about the Sennheiser is it's size and build quality. The Rode has a little bit warmer sound, but is much larger and plasticky. The Sennheiser is more metal and feels more solid. I plug it into my 5D mkII's mic jack and get much better audio than the camera's internal mic's. I also used this mic with my EOS M and it was great! These are built to last and has been my favorite on camera mic. ... More
Small and Powerful
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I use this to capture audio for professional video, both directly to Canon DSLRs and to an external Tascam field recorder. It is fantastic! Really small and light, which makes it both easy to carry and unimposing in documentary/interview shooting. Took under an hour of playing to figure out the different settings that can be toggled on the mic. I also use a Rode videomic, and prefer the Sennheiser's sound quality immensely: relative to the Rode (and in general, especially for the price), the audio this guy captures is crisp, noise is pretty negligible, and the range is impressive. No complaints. ... More
Makes a noticeable diff in sound quality
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Alan on B&H Photo Video
Used on a new Sony HD cam, whose built-in mic is very good. But isolating sound is what's usually needed. The camera can do it when zoomed in (an option), but nothing beats having a pole point in the direction of the sound. Having said that, the MKE400 isn't as good as the MKE300, but it's 1/4 the size. Using the 300 on a small videocam looks dorky and bulky. So the 400 is more suitable for today's small cameras. Some have complained that requiring a battery is a pain. Yes, but only if you forget to shut off the unit. That's sort of a joke. The worst thing is if your camera (like most small Sonys) doesn't have audio levels showing in the display. Then you'll never know if the battery ran out, or the connector isn't fully in. The only major problem is the lack of a true directional switch, like some of the small Azdens have. If you get a mic from the camera manufacturer, there may be more control. But with third-party mics, you must rely on a switch. There's a +/- switch for sensitivity, but nothing to change the direction. ... More
Wish I Had Returned It
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Tom on B&H Photo Video
I'm surprised this has a 4.3 rating at the moment. I bought mine a couple of years ago and have rarely used it because the sound is noisy. If I really need to use it, I make sure the battery is brand new, which seems to improve the quality. But after a few hours it gets worse. I hoped for much better from Sennheiser. (Their wireless lav kit is so good that I bought a 2nd.)I would love to sell it, but I would feel guilty passing it on to someone else. It's nice that it's small, but I would rather have something bigger (Rode?) that sounds better. ... More
Great mic for on the go
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by RobinGB on B&H Photo Video
The sound is great and I love that there are two setttings. Another good feature that my old camera mic didn't have is that it uses AAA batteries which are so easy to come by. It's still suspectable to wind but it isn't too bad. I've used it outdoors and indoor events and sometimes it's been noisy and/or windy and it's still worked well. It's REALLY lightweight and attaches easily using the SSA-III AIS Shoe Adapter for Sony Camcorders by Pearstone. My camera is a Sony HDR-CX560V HD 64GB FLASH CAMCORDER. My only problem is that I forget to turn it off and wear down the battery or I forget to turn it on and when it's not on and plugged into the mic jack on the camera---no sound is recorded. However I think this is true with any of these external cameras. This camera is perfect if you want something small and shotgun. I've been using it for 6 months and no problems. I rarely have to change the battery if I remember to turn it off when I put it in the camera bag. ... More
Its not the size of the boat....
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Combat Camera on B&H Photo Video
Im not going to sit here and write an entire review on this mic, theyre all over the net. Ill just hit on a few items that caught me off guard when we received our shipment of MKE400's. First we are using these mics in extreme conditions, hence the need for compact stereo mics. Anyways.... the overall size was a lot smaller than I imagined. Even after reading reviews, specs, and looking at a ton of photos... the mic still surprised me with its compact size. The second thing that I immediately noticed was the flimsy shockmount used to dampen sounds coming from the camera. With one day on my camera the mount was ripped and mic out of commission. Like I said though, we put these camera systems through the ringer on a daily basis. Overall great compact mic with an amazing boost in audio quality over the internal mic. Great for crisp clear ambient sound and much nicer than having to run a designated audio recorder and mics. Buy it.... you'll love it! ... More
Good Microphone for a DSLR
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Aleksey on B&H Photo Video
Bought for using with my D800. Built well. Works good, as expected. Tested this weekend on the shore with MZW400 Wind-m@ff in mild wind conditions no noise, zero. I took one star for two reasons. First, I don't understand why MZW400 Wind-m@ff is sold separately as an accessory I am guessing there are very few to none users that would not need the wind m@ff not really an option, should be included. Second the wind m@ff clicks on fairly easy, but it's also easy to accidently knock it off A more secure mounting option would be nice.
Great Mic, Bad Foam Cover
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Karn on B&H Photo Video
I purchased 15 of these mics for the Digital Film Production class I teach at a High School. I love the easiness of use and the durability of the mic. If I have one complaint, and unfortunately I do, it is that the foam sleeve that covers the mic comes off very easily. I have lost 4 of them in the first year. The fact that the replacement costs almost 7 bucks is a bit crazy as well. I have a set of RODE VideoMic Pro Plus that I don't like as well as they are made of plastic. However, I have used the heck out of them and never loose the foam cover. Slight design flaw there Sennheiser. ... More
